Christmas baking doesn’t have to mean sugar bombs and carb overload – my healthy Greek yogurt pizza dough bread lets you indulge guilt-free while still joining in the holiday fun! I discovered this magical dough when I desperately needed something festive but light after one too many cookie platters last December. The secret? Thick, protein-packed Greek yogurt gives this crust its perfect chew while keeping carbs lower than traditional recipes. Trust me, after one bite of this golden, herbed bread (topped with all your favorite holiday ingredients), you’ll forget it’s actually good for you!
I’ve made this every Christmas Eve for the past five years – it’s become our family’s appetizer tradition while we open presents. The kids go crazy for the mini personal pizzas we make with it, and I love that they’re getting extra protein in between all those candy canes. The dough comes together in minutes, leaving you more time for what really matters during the holidays – decorating cookies, wrapping last-minute gifts, or just relaxing by the tree with a warm slice of this delicious bread.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Healthy Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough Bread
This isn’t just another holiday recipe – it’s a game-changer for festive eating! Here’s why it’s become my Christmas must-have:
- Whipped up in minutes – The dough comes together faster than you can wrap a present (seriously, just 10 minutes hands-on time!)
- Protein power – Greek yogurt packs a whopping 10g protein per serving, keeping everyone full between holiday meals
- Lighter but still festive – 28g carbs per slice means you can save room for Grandma’s famous pie
- Holiday costume ready – Dress it up with cranberry sauce and brie or keep it simple with marinara and mozzarella
- Kid-approved magic – Let little hands decorate their own mini “presents” with veggie ribbons and cheese snowflakes
Last year, my niece actually chose this over sugar cookies – that’s when I knew this recipe was special!
Ingredients for Christmas Healthy Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough Bread
Gather these simple ingredients – I bet you have most already! The magic happens with just:
- 2 cups self-rising flour (spooned and leveled – no packing!)
- 1.5 cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended for best texture)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (not garlic salt – we’ll add our own salt)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (crush between fingers to wake up the flavor)
- 1/2 tsp salt (I use fine sea salt)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (just for greasing – any neutral oil works)
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
No self-rising flour? Make your own with 2 cups all-purpose flour + 3 tsp baking powder + 1/2 tsp salt. Prefer whole wheat? Swap half the flour for whole wheat – any more and the dough gets too dense. For dairy-free, coconut yogurt works but makes a stickier dough (add 1-2 tbsp extra flour).
Warning: Regular yogurt is too thin – your dough will be a sad, sticky mess! And always pre-sift your flour if it’s been sitting awhile – lumps are the enemy of smooth dough. I learned that the hard way during my first Christmas attempt!
How to Make Christmas Healthy Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough Bread
This dough is so forgiving – even my butterfingers nephew could make it! Just follow these simple steps for the perfect holiday pizza bread every time:
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) – we’ll need it hot and ready! In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients first (that’s your flour, garlic powder, oregano, and salt). Make a well in the center and add the Greek yogurt. Stir with a wooden spoon just until a shaggy dough forms – don’t go for perfectly smooth! I keep a silicone scraper handy to help gather sticky bits. Overmixing = tough dough, and nobody wants that.
Step 2: Knead & Shape
Lightly flour your clean counter (about 1 tbsp should do it) and turn out the dough. Knead gently for about 2 minutes – just until it comes together into a smooth ball. If it sticks to your hands, dust them with flour too. Now the fun part! Roll it out to a 12-inch circle on parchment paper. I like to use my favorite rolling pin dusted with flour. Pro tip: If edges crack, just pat them together – this dough is very forgiving!
Step 3: Bake & Customize
Carefully transfer your dough circle (parchment and all) to a greased baking sheet. Bake naked for 18-20 minutes until you see golden edges – this gives the sturdiest base. Now the holiday magic happens! Add your favorite toppings (we love cranberry sauce with brie or pesto with mozzarella snowflakes) and bake 5 more minutes just to melt everything. The smell of garlic and oregano will have everyone gathering in the kitchen! Let it cool 2 minutes before slicing – I promise that’s the hardest part of this recipe.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Healthy Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough Bread
After making this dozens of times (and learning from my mistakes!), here are my can’t-miss tips for the best holiday pizza bread:
- Chill out for crispness – Pop the shaped dough in the fridge for 20 minutes before baking if you want an extra crispy crust. I do this when making appetizer-sized bites!
- Flour is your friend – Keep extra flour handy for dusting your hands and surface. This dough can be sticky, especially with whole wheat flour.
- Parchment paper magic – Roll and bake right on parchment – no sticking and easy transfer to the baking sheet. My Christmas morning lifesaver!
- Watch the clock – Set a timer! Overbaking by even 2 minutes can make the crust too dry. Look for that perfect golden edge color.
Last tip: If your first attempt isn’t perfect, don’t stress! This dough is very forgiving – just call it “rustic” and pile on extra festive toppings. Nobody will notice!
Serving & Storing Christmas Healthy Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough Bread
This pizza bread shines brightest fresh from the oven, when the crust is perfectly crisp and the toppings are gooey. I love serving it alongside a simple arugula salad with pomegranate seeds – the peppery greens balance the dough’s richness beautifully. For holiday parties, cut it into festive shapes with cookie cutters (stars work great!) and arrange on a platter with dipping sauces. For holiday parties, cut it into festive shapes with cookie cutters (stars work great!) and arrange on a platter with dipping sauces.
Leftovers? Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The crust softens, but it’s still delicious – just reheat slices in the toaster oven to bring back some crispness. For longer storage, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. My Christmas morning secret? Pop a frozen slice straight into the oven while opening presents – instant holiday breakfast!
Christmas Healthy Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough Bread Nutrition
This dough is nutritionally naughty and nice! The base (without toppings) clocks in at about 180 calories per slice with a satisfying 10g protein – perfect for balancing out all those holiday sweets. Each piece also delivers 2g fiber to keep things moving during cookie season. Of course, nutrition varies with toppings – my rosemary-olive oil version stays light, while the four-cheese cranberry adds extra indulgence. Either way, it’s a holiday win! Either way, it’s a holiday win!
FAQs About Christmas Healthy Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough Bread
Over the years, I’ve gotten the same excited questions from friends trying this recipe – here are the answers that’ll save you some holiday stress!
- Can I make it ahead? Absolutely! The dough keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days wrapped in plastic. Just let it sit at room temp for 15 minutes before shaping.
- Is it freezer-friendly? For sure! I pre-bake the crust (without toppings), cool completely, then freeze between parchment sheets. Pop it straight in the oven when Santa comes!
- Can I use regular yogurt? Oh honey, no! The watery texture will give you pizza soup instead of dough. Greek yogurt’s thickness is non-negotiable here.
Last Christmas, my sister learned that lesson the hard way – we still tease her about her “pizza puddle!”
Share Your Christmas Healthy Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough Bread
I’d love to see your holiday creations! Snap a photo of your festive pizza bread and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your twist on this recipe. Share your most creative Christmas topping ideas in the comments too (peppermint mozzarella, anyone?). Let’s make this holiday season deliciously healthy together! Let’s make this holiday season deliciously healthy together!
Print
Guilt-Free Greek Yogurt Christmas Pizza Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 1 large pizza (8 slices)
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A healthy twist on traditional pizza dough using Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, lower-carb option perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1.5 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix flour, yogurt, garlic powder, oregano, and salt in a bowl until a dough forms.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 2 minutes.
- Roll dough into a 12-inch circle on parchment paper.
- Transfer dough to greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Add toppings and bake 5 more minutes if desired.
Notes
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days
- For crispier crust, pre-bake without toppings
- Substitute whole wheat flour for extra fiber
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean